Service difficulty report · Rib · Piper PA44180

Difficulty date
August 8, 2017
Submitted
August 22, 2017
Operation
General aviation
Aircraft
N971PA
Make and model
Piper PA44180
Aircraft serial
4496031
Engine
Lyc O360A1H6
Part
Rib
Part number
95028002
Condition
Cracked
Location
Lt Wing
Stage of operation
IN
How discovered
V
Nature of condition
O
Precautionary procedure
K

As reported to the FAA. Reports are unverified, and codes are left as the FAA publishes them.

What was found

DURING A ROUTINE INSPECTION, A NOSE RIB IN THE LEFT WING WAS FOUND TO BE CRACKED. RIB IN QUESTION IS LOCATED AT WING STA 50.05; CRACKING WAS SEEN WHERE RIB ADJOINS WING SPAR, DIRECTLY NEXT TO ELECTRIC FUEL PUMP. CRACKING OCCURRED AT RIVET HOLES. IT IS SUSPECTED THAT CRACKING IS CAUSED BY LOADS ON LANDING GEAR TRANSFERRING TO SURROUNDING STRUCTURE, INCLUDING THIS RIB.

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